Wu-Tang Clan ‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)’ 25th Anniversary
Release date: 9th November 1993
Label: Loud
Producers: RZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Method Man
Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia):
“Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) is the debut studio album by American hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, released on November 9, 1993 by Loud Records. Recording sessions took place during 1992 to 1993 at Firehouse Studio in New York City, and the album was produced by the group’s de facto leader RZA. Its title originates from the martial arts film The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978).
The distinctive sound of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) created a blueprint for hardcore hip hop during the 1990s, and helped return New York City hip hop to national prominence. Its sound also became greatly influential in modern hip hop production, while the group members’ explicit, humorous, and free-associative lyrics have served as a template for many subsequent hip hop records. Serving as a landmark release in the era of hip hop known as the East Coast Renaissance, its influence helped lead the way for several other East Coast hip hop artists, including Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Mobb Deep, and Jay-Z.
Despite its raw, underground sound, the album had surprising chart success, peaking at #41 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 30,000 copies in the 1st week. By 1995, it was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America and has sold over 2 million copies in the United States. Initially receiving positive reviews from most music critics, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) is widely regarded as one of the most significant albums of the 1990s, as well as one of the greatest hip hop albums ever.”
Additional info:
- The album comes in at #1 on Ego Trip’s Top 25 Rap Albums of 1993.
- The singles ‘Protect Ya Neck’ and ‘Method Man’ come in at #2 and #11 respectively on Ego Trip’s Top 40 Rap Singles of 1993.
- Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled.
Purchase: Discogs